We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists, professionals, and entrepreneurs in the world and one of the most important questions we ask them is around keeping one’s creativity alive. Below, we’ve highlighted some of those responses.
Kensy Suazo
As a photographer creativity is very essential. As a mother myself, I was able to experience maternity from my own lens. Maternity is an important stage in our lives because we bring new life into this world, however we forget that maternity is something that makes us even more beautiful both inside and outside. I keep my creativity alive by finding ways to demonstrate the world the different facets of maternity. I keep my creativity alive by brainstorming about how my client’s features and their beautiful bellies will be able to shine even more than usual in a photograph. Read more>>
Alex Follas
I keep my creativity alive through downtime and new experiences. I find that taking the time to be creative for just me is the most important. I don’t have to share it with anyone. I get the freedom and comfort to go at my own pace or switch it up. Sometimes it looks like putting my headphones on and dancing in my room. Other times it is singing or self-portrait photography. There is no agenda and I have complete control. I just go with what I’m feeling at the moment. I also tend to feel inspired when I experience new things. I love learning new skills and meeting people. Every new thing adds a little more perspective and understanding of the world around me. Read more>>
Juan P Soto
Watching films is my main source of inspiration, admiring other peoples work makes me excited about doing projects. Normally the moment I get stuck creatively I sketch people, observe life, and eventually watch films again. is hugely important to understand others, see their flaws but their strengths too, talk to people you love but also strangers. It makes imagination fly higher. Read more>>
Annie Combs
Running a business based off of personal creativity can be challenging at times! Being the owner and sole employee of Enjoy The Perk has many perks in itself but it also means that I am mostly on my own when it comes to coming up with new ideas. I believe that one of the best ways to keep your creativity alive is by staying interested and invested in what you are doing or creating. If you are committed, enjoy what you’re doing, and want to see your business continue to grow, you can find new ideas everywhere around you (at least for me)! I am constantly searching for and thinking of new things I can change or add to my business to help it grow. Although it can be challenging at times. it can also be one of the most fun parts! Read more>>
Erik Stone
Having come from a family of creative types it became a natural thing to follow the same path. We have all heard of the writer who gets writers block. Creative powers stop. The big question is why and how to overcome it. This can happen in any form of creative expression. My creative interests include but not limited to, playing and creating music, drawing/ painting, photography, and writing. Do I get stuck at times? Most creative people will answer yes. The following steps may help. Read more>>
CrysE B.
I keep my creativity alive by continuing to learn and digest content that keeps me inspired. Also, ensuring I’m passionate about the things I do so that nothing feels like a chore. Read more>>
Thomas Keller
I learned alone time ago that if I limited my creativity to a particular artform I would be doomed to failure. I know many artists focus on one medium and master that and that works well for them. But we are all not alike and a very limiting belief is to model what everyone else is doing is the path to success. I’ve grown to see that as a mistake I and others make every day. As I progressed as an artist I reached what I call crossroads. A place where inspiration appears inside me and I have the choice of following it or staying with what is safe. Beginning as a pastel artist which was a very natural medium for me I was successful creating beautiful spiritual paintings. Several years later when my family moved to the southern U.S. I stood in my backyard which was full of trees unlike Los Angeles that we left. As I looked at all the fallen limbs a thought appeared within me. Read more>>
Jonny Zeller
It’s not always easy. Sometimes your brain just doesn’t want to be creative. And that’s ok! Creativity can strike at any moment, so I consciously try to keep my mind open for inspiration. It takes practice, but after a while, it becomes second nature. Sometimes my creativity can be sparked by a person I see in the street or even an ad on a billboard. If my headspace is open and has a particular project (or multiple) running through it, the chances of finding inspiration are much higher. Read more>>
Craig Thornton
I’m always looking for inspiration. By pursuing various other interests, I always have new ideas. I like to see what different artists are doing in various mediums. I follow a variety of artists and galleries on Instagram. I love science fiction and fantasy movies, and am continually seeking out either a new movie or re-connecting with old favorites. I also like to read science fiction books, and often a trip to the bookstore can help if I find myself stuck. Last but not least, I try to let new ideas flow through my work as I draw. Read more>>
Flair Shay
I keep my creativity alive by taking current trends and elevating them or taking yesterday’s old to a revamped new level. I love things that are unique and have their own identity. My business is all about umbrellas. I have taken a simple umbrella and upgraded it to block sunrays, it folds inward so you don’t have to worry about rain water getting everywhere, there is a oblong c handle for carrying and the custom image we can put inside or outside for self advertisement, We are constantly in our creativity kitchen cooking up new ideas! Read more>>
Denise Johnson
I keep my creativity alive by seeing the beauty in everything and always try to snap a picture, whether it is a Portrait, a candid, or a photo of nature. I love sharing my nature photos. My creativity really shines through in every photo. Read more>>
Zhenya Masko
It’s definitely not just one thing! First of all, it’s a lifetime meditation. I keep my mindset at the present moment and keep practicing this for many years. It’s just one of my good habits. I focus on my breath and the surrounding objects at the same time. It is quite difficult for the first time, but if you keep practicing, you’ll settle in. The present moment is a vast ocean of the creative and inspiring ideas. Read more>>
Juliebeth Delgado
Doing what I love every day and sharing it with my students have helped keep my creativity alive. My students bring such positive energy when it comes to art, and I love being able to come up with exciting ideas together. They help me with my creativity; really get me to think outside the box. We do silly art challenges sometimes like drawing the easter bunny as a superhero or Olaf as Cruella de Ville. Also, I love seeing my student’s reactions once they see their finished product. It gets me all excited with them. Read more>>
LaTonya Venters
How I keep my creativity alive , is by always looking for new things I can do or learn ,Pinterest always helps me with creativity when trying to see what is new or what I can learn. Read more>>
Christine June
I always have a side project I’m working on – something that doesn’t necessarily bring in income, but something I want to try or experiment with. Currently, I’m working on a series of self-portraits which has turned out to be surprisingly healing. Read more>>
Shannon Hickman
I usually get inspired by checking out the work of other creators at local art shows, online—or even some of my close friends make cool stuff that inspires me. The cool thing about acrylic pour painting is that there are so many different techniques to try. So whenever I feel like switching things up, I’ll find a new way to create a painting and see if I can make it work. Or sometimes if I come across a technique I haven’t tried yet on Instagram, I’ll save that post to an album and come back to it when I’m needing the extra inspiration. Read more>>
Felix Preciado
What works for me, Is the ability to go from realism to surrealism. Sometimes I break away from trying to make something look real and get back to how it all started, which is drawing and painting comic books. Venturing out and creating new things and combining the realism with cartoons. It really helps to keep the creativity alive. Read more>>
Amanda Thorne
The past couple of years felt like I really had to do more soul searching to keep my creative brain functioning. I personally love to take random road trips, or unexpected adventures to spark my creativity. I usually find little nuggets of inspiration in the most random places. Sometimes it’s as simple as a pretty landscape on my drive to work or a knotted tree that looks otherworldly. Read more>>
Susan Johnston
Adventure always frees me from the daily grind and allows me to see things in a new light. Adventure can be experiences, meeting new people, doing something I haven’t done before, doing something I have done before a totally new way. Read more>>
Rickie Perryman
Keeping creativity alive isn’t the easiest thing to do. Sometimes I feel like my creativeness isn’t there at all. Browsing Pinterest believe it or not is the best way I know how to keep myself feeling creative. Seeing everyone else with all of their ideas spark an idea of my very own. Sometimes I could look at a color scheme and have an idea just like that. Everything around me gives me an idea. Read more>>
Evetta Whitley-Brown
“Creativity block” is a real thing and sometimes it does get hard to come up with ideas for content. What I like to do to keep my creativity alive is passion projects in between my design orders. I basically choose a brand that I see in a store and recreate it from logo to packaging. Doing this allows me to push myself to come up with ideas that will not only strengthen my creativity but could also land me an opportunity to work with that brand if they see my work. Read more>>
Chey Myers
Well its hard that’s for sure! But simple! To keep my creativity alive I change things up! Instead of doing the same thing over and over it helps to try different types of mediums and styles! Some examples in my case would be that I’ve done makeup products, soap, jewelry, resin art, tie-dye, hydro dipping, pour painting, regular painting and digital art (graphic design)! Which at the moment happens to be my favorite! In one year I was able to teach myself how to use procreate on my iPad and I am able to create my own style of graphic/digital artwork! Read more>>
Sarah Creasman Barnett
I like to challenge myself with new projects and subject matter. Lately, I’ve decided to be more selective with the commissioned projects I accept so I can focus on a new body of work that I am really excited about. Read more>>
Miss Britney Rae
I surround myself with people, places, and things that remind me that I’m alive. I want my work to have an authentic purpose and make a real difference in the world. I travel a lot for the life experiences, which in turn become invaluable life skills and knowledge that I can then process, translate, and pass on through my art. Building and sustaining deep bonds and connections with fellow artists and thinkers I meet along the way is essential as well. When I find a genuine connection, I am able to share myself with someone else in the most natural way – a part of me that’s truly comfortable in my own skin. I have many complexities that make up who I am, who I am becoming, and I am intending on embracing them all. I have an innate passion to challenge corrupted ideologies around me that try to tell me who I should be. It takes more than a spark – it requires an all-consuming fire to be authentic in a world constantly trying to minimize or erase your existence. I don’t work just for practical reasons or waste my energy overworking at a job I hate. I trust that what I do must have a deeper purpose. Read more>>
Jill Oscar
I am in an art studio at least once a week studying and creating oil painting. Painting is Mentally stimulating for me as well as creative. Having the discipline it takes to sit in front of a painting and problem solve prepares me as a makeup artist. Read more>>
Matt LeBris
The creativity that shines through our work with The Decoding Success Podcast stems from one word: curiosity. By getting curious and finding the answers to what we’re curious about, it’s developed a sense of curiosity within that is rather unmatched. That creativity has allowed us to push out our content in different ways to reach new audiences. To that point, without our curiosity, our creativity might not be on the level in which it is. So, to bolster your creativity, I’d suggest getting curious. It doesn’t mean you have to be a podcaster or content creator, but get curious in your life. Questions to ask should start with: “how?”, “why?”, “when?”, and more. Read more>>
Briana Morris
To keep one’s creativity alive, one must live a full unapologetic life filled with risks, pain, adventures, and laughter. Creativity is the evolution of moments. Whether the moment be singular or swarming with people, penetrated by excruciating stillness or the clamor of convulsing barbarity it is a moment nonetheless. And if we dare to live more moments with boldness and take a deep gaze, creativity is living all around us. From wall-to-wall, from the milky way to the ocean floor, it’s a living breathing thing and all we have to do is tap in. My creativity stays alive by keeping my eyes open, loosening the strings of my heart, allowing my mind to explore, and giving my spirit an opportunity to wonder. Allow myself to mingle with the pieces of me that live in freedom, curiosity, awe, and courageousness. I keep my creativity alive by walking in fear, permitting blank pages to bleed, and empowering the seeds of my mind to take root. It is indeed beautifully unapologetic and complex. Read more>>
Shantel Davis
I keep my creativity alive by not giving up. I am a go getter. I also believe in if first you don’t succeed try try again. I do that in any work skill or hobby that I am trying to make a career out of. Jehovah helps me to keep my creativity alive. Read more>>
Deana Hicks
Living in the desert southwest there is constant inspiration. I love the desert and its plants and creatures. The work of local photographers and painters continue to inspire me and get the creative juices flowing. Read more>>
Armina LaManna
One could say that those of us who discovered the need to be constantly creative find it difficult to live life without that aspect. Wether we be photographers, painters, musicians, or stage artists. Storytellers in the theatre particularly depend on artistic collaboration in order to feel whole. During the lockdown, it was that inability to be creative with fellow artists that contributed to such heavy feelings of despair. That’s why so many of us created work digitally, over zoom, outdoors – anything to continue to be creative and to feel connected with other artists and with audiences. Read more>>
Andrew Robinson
I would say movies or a good book. I love adventures movies and I love to read and research ancient history. If I’m in a position to where my creativeness isn’t blossoming, I’ll go watch an old favorite. Underworld Evolution is a go to movie for me. This movie never gets old to me. It opens my mind every single time I watch it. I’m infatuated with the hybrid Michael. He gives me the idea of being unique and the one that has something innately that everyone wants. Being unique is a modest mindset I carry. With this mindset I believe I can generate distinctive ideas that will allow me to stand out and sort of differentiate from other designers and creators around the world. Read more>>
Aniya Reed
I keep my creativity alive by staying creative . I am a very observant curious person I’m always wanting to know how would something look in art form . For example I am a cake artist at times I make realistic food cakes just for fun so if I see a banana split icecream I’ll then do the entire icecream over in cake form . Another way I stay creative is living in color , I HAVE A CRAZY OBSESSION FOR COLOR . colors speak thru me and for me . I found ways to say things in color without saying it . On my free time I go to different art galleries & museums , or I download coloring apps on my phone , also painting . I am heavily inspired by takashi murakami he’s a Japanese artist , Mira mikati , and the list goes on . Read more>>
Gloria Gomez
I believe the creativity Comes with Working I’ve found that creative ideas come after I start doing my floral arrangements. If I wait for the creative idea to come first, nothing would be produced. Work brings results. Doing the craft generates more ideas. The act of making flower arrangements produces more ideas. The act of being creative produces more creativity. Read more>>
Sevag Chahinian
Creativity doesn’t always come easily. It can take a lot of effort to find inspiration and stay in a creative frame of mind, but the work demands it. It’s particularly difficult when I’m working on several commercial shoots which can sometimes feel repetitive, but what’s worse is when I’m in between projects. To keep my creative juices flowing I actively look for and explore original thinking even if it seems impossible. Read more>>
Joanne Swift
Creativity is part of my identity and its something that feeds off my emotions and awareness of life. It is an energy that needs to be constantly stimulated and developed in order to keep on the pulse of the moment and staying relevant. Staying relevant can mean moving to a new country, reinventing your environment or learning new technology or techniques or even immersing yourself in another creative arena. Read more>>
Brandon Watson
Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative I would say. Figuring out and learning my process to stay creative and not comparing myself to others can always be crippling to creating something fresh. I’ve learned that focus and discipline has been essential to staying creative and finishing projects. Read more>>
Fabiana Faria-Mata
I keep my creativity alive by traveling at least once a month, connecting with nature on hikes, spending time with my family and friends… And even sometimes it can be as simple as listening to one of my favorite artists. Read more>>
Bleugangsta
My creativeness come from my life experience. Everyday it’s something to write about. A situation I haven’t addressed yet. My life experience is literally my muse. I’m always purchasing beats before I even finish a project. Read more>>
MaKayla Washington
I’ve been involved in many projects. Most of those projects pertained to music, modeling, or business initiatives. When you know what your passion is, I believe that can develop creativity. You also have to challenge yourself, and want to be better. By definition, creativity means “the use of the imagination or original ideas, especially in the production of an artistic work.” I would also add on and say that creativity is about finding what matters to you and cultivating it into an idea or creation. This year I recently found a few things that interested me. I’ve always had a passion for owning my own business and providing a service. I recently opened up my own wedding officiant business. This is a needed service for couples whenever they want to legally marry. I aimed to create a business that weren’t like the others. I didn’t want a typical name like, “MaKayla The Officiant.” I wanted a name that pretty much summed me up. “The Dazzling Wedding Officiant” is my business name and it is self explanatory. I chose the word “dazzling” to describe my uniqueness, boldness, and exceptional skills. Also, within my business my services are tailored to the client’s needs. I aim to provide exceptional service with a personable touch. I want my clients to feel comfortable. Creativity lies with the beholder. Anytime I officiate a wedding I want to put a personal stamp on it to make the couple feel great. Officiating requires great personable and communication skills. I believe that requires creativity. Read more>>
Brandon Jordan
I keep my creativity alive by “taking the time to smell the roses.” What I mean by this reference is that I enjoy every moment in my life. My creativity may come from an artist’s music video, photos in a magazine, or simply watching a movie. I can have a spark of an idea during my daily routine, then I expand my vision from there. Read more>>
Jeanice Deeb
Curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. I love to find out how things work, why they work…etc. I like to learn new techniques, which help me expand my thoughts and add to the design process. Visiting unique exhibits and galleries are exciting for me as well as attending the latest local cultural event. Be it art, music, food or wine, I’m fortunate to have good friends to share these special times with. All this broadens my mind and allows the creativity to flow. Read more>>
Swizzle
I keep my creativity alive by drawing from real life experiences. Living life allows anyone in the world to be connected to an endless supply of source material. The day I stop living is the day I have nothing else to talk about. Everything from the literature I read, relationship experiences, past decisions and the love of the game between my competitive peers keep my story alive. Therefore, I will always have something to say untill I take my last breath. Read more>>
